Cardiovascular Technologist Job Description

Cardiovascular Technologist Job Duties

A Cardiovascular Technologist uses high-frequency sound waves to produce diagnostic images for medical purposes. They are skilled technicians that specialize in heart function and anatomy. They image the heart in different views to detect abnormalities. They look at the four chambers of the heart, valves, arteries, and veins in the heart to assess for cardiac problems. Some indications for a cardiac ultrasound or echocardiogram could be chest pain, palpitations, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or a very common indication is family history of heart disease. Many people are screened with an echocardiogram if they have a family member who has had previous heart disease at a young age.

Cardiac Sonographers have to have good communication skills with the patient in order to inform them of the procedure they are having and to answer any questions the patient might have. The Sonographer also must communicate with the Cardiologist to explain their findings and to give suggestions of the possible diagnosis. Cardiologists strongly rely on a Sonographers opinion when it comes to dictating the report and concluding a final diagnosis for the patient.

Difference between Cardiovascular Tech and Ultrasound Tech?

Cardiovascular Technologists or Echocardiographers have a very similar career as a general Ultrasound Technician (Sonographer). The main differences between the two modalities are the structures in the human body they are assessing and a Cardiac Sonographer generally reports their cases to a cardiologist rather than a radiologist. The typical Cardiac Sonographer works 40 hours a week in a hospital setting. However, just like the other modalities in Sonography they have the opportunity to work in a physician’s office if that fits their lifestyle more. Echocardiologist need to be physically fit as most of the day is spent standing and walking. They are highly trained professionals that work with expensive equipment daily to help diagnose cardiac disease.

Assist physician in determining where blockages may exist in the vessels that pump directly into and out of the heart.

Assist with balloon angioplasty procedures to open up blocked blood vessels or heart valves

Work with physician during electrophysiology tests, which locate abnormal electrical impulses in the heart tissue

Perform echocardiography testing

Monitor patient heart rates and record information.

Review physician interpretations and patient files

Operate testing equipment while explaining procedures to patients.

Cardiovascular Technologist Specializations

The following is a list of specializations within the field of cardiovascular technology. A cardiovascular tech may be trained and educated on multiples functions and procedures and this will help to make that individual a more desirable job candidate with higher earning potential. Read the descriptions below to familiarize yourself with these functions and roles

Invasive vs. Non-Invasive Procedures?

In general, an invasive procedure is one in which there is more than simply imaging being performed. Invasive procedures involve probing or inserting devices and substances into the body in order to perform imaging and treatment procedures such as cardiac catheterization or balloon angioplasty.

EKG Technicians - Cardiographic Technicians

EKG technicians perform tests using electrocardiography (also known as EKG's) for stress testing. They also perform holter monitor procedures tracing electrical impulses from the heart. This involves attaching electrodes the the patient and gathering accurate readings from the equipment. Once the procedure is done, it is forwarded to the physician for analysis. Learn more about EKG technician training.

Catheterization

Cardiology technologists perform invasive procedures, assisting physicians with cardiac catheterization. Catherization involves threading a small tube, known as a catheter, through an artery. In the case of cardiology tech's, it is commonly inserted through a spot on the patients groin, which leads up to the heart. The goal of the procedure is to determine if there are any blockages or irregularities in flow. If blockages are located, another procedure known as angioplasty may be performed. The cardiology technologist assists the physician as a catheter with a balloon is inserted into the artery and then used to expand the blocked area.

Echocardiographers - Also known as Cardiac Sonographers

Echocardiographers perform non-invasive procedures with the help of ultrasound technology to examine heart functioning. They can examine the heart chambers, vessels, and valve function. The images they capture are referred to as echocardiograms and are used to determine if the valves of the heart are opening and closing properly and other metrics such as the velocity of flow in and out of the heart chambers.

Vascular Technologists

Vascular tech's assist physicians with examining problems related to vascular circulation in the body. They perform tasks involving evaluating pulses and blood flow within the arteries and veins. They use special equipment to listen to the flow and seek out abnormalities in these sounds. They also use ultrasound technology to record information such as blood flow, pressure, oxygen content, outer circulation in the periphery of the body, circulation in the brain, and more.

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Founded in 1937, originally established as the American Institute of Commerce.

Some campuses host low-cost medical and dental clinics, where students can get real-world experience.

Part of the Kaplan Higher Education Campuses (KHEC).

Approved A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1976.

Campus-specific accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

Founded in 1937, originally established as the American Institute of Commerce.

Some campuses host low-cost medical and dental clinics, where students can get real-world experience.

Part of the Kaplan Higher Education Campuses (KHEC).

Approved A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1976.

Campus-specific accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

• Many program expenses are covered by tuition, including books, uniforms and exam fees.
• Campus is located in Central Los Angeles, California.
• Offers programs surgical technology, medical assisting, occupational therapy assisting, and more.
• Programmatic accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and is recognized by the National Board of Surgical Technologists (NBST).

• Many program expenses are covered by tuition, including books, uniforms and exam fees.
• Campus is located in Central Los Angeles, California.
• Offers programs surgical technology, medical assisting, occupational therapy assisting, and more.
• Programmatic accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), and is recognized by the National Board of Surgical Technologists (NBST).

Many programs require externships, allowing students to gain real-world experience.

Approved A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1984.

Offers 22 accelerated, career-focused program options including business administration, medical assisting, and more.

12 campuses across California, with an online division as well.

Regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), with programmatic accreditation from several organizations, including the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Many programs require externships, allowing students to gain real-world experience.

Approved A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1984.

Offers 22 accelerated, career-focused program options including business administration, medical assisting, and more.

12 campuses across California, with an online division as well.

Regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), with programmatic accreditation from several organizations, including the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).